Quay Walker among 3 Packers to silence critics with outstanding performance

The age-old saying, "Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while," was on full display for some of the Green Bay Packers' most criticized players this season after the beatdown of the San Francisco 49ers this weekend.

Cheeseheads have taken to social media, radio shows, and just about every platform throughout the year to voice their frustration with several Packers this season, including Quay Walker, Keisean Nixon, and Lukas Van Ness. Green Bay's win over San Francisco quietened many of those critics, if just temporarily, after very impactful performances.

While the 49ers came into Lambeau pretty banged up, there was no sympathy from the Packers' players and coaches. Keisean Nixon blasted the Niners after the game.

Several underperforming Packers made a statement in win over 49ers

Nixon is one of the players who has drawn the frustration of Packers fans throughout the season, having to play an expanded role due in part to the Jaire Alexander injuries and the lack of depth at the position. It has been a rough year for Nixon at times. Entering Week 12, he had allowed 69 percent of passes to be completed in his coverage for 240 yards and three touchdowns.

However, in the win on Sunday, Nixon was one of the bright spots of the Packers' defense. He had three tackles and a massive forced fumble on Christian McCaffrey. Nixon also did not allow a catch while in coverage, earning a PFF grade of 83.2.

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Like many of the other Packers' pass-rushers this season, Van Ness has struggled to gain much traction statistically. Before Sunday's game, Van Ness had just 14 tackles and one sack, which would be below his pace to build on from what he did as a rookie.

Part of this is the scheme. The Packers have faced several mobile quarterbacks, which requires a different pass-rush plan.

In 2022, Green Bay combined for 34 sacks and increased that number to 45 last season. Through 11 games, the 2024 Packers sit at just 27.

The Packers' pass rush got home twice against quarterback Brandon Allen, with the most impactful coming from Van Ness, who stripped the San Francisco signal-caller from behind. He collected two tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble, finishing with a PFF grade of 82.9.

Perhaps the most criticized player on the Packers, though, outside of the quarterback position, is Quay Walker. Despite leading the team in tackles, he has struggled to find his footing in the new Jeff Hafley defense. Walker has also missed plenty of tackles while failing to make reads and getting washed into the line in some situations.

However, Walker was incredible in Week 12. He again led the team with seven tackles, including two for loss, to go with a pass defensed. The only criticism of his game was that he should have corralled the interception.

The critics have often been justified in their opinions of these players. For one Sunday, though, all three pieces came together. It is far from a guarantee that this will continue going forward, but if it can, the Packers' defense can find another gear.

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